A stuffed horse that appears to be crying due to a production error has become China's latest hot toy, with office workers adopting it as a mascot.

The horse toy with an upside-down snout has resonated with tired corporates across the country.

When Vivian Hao, a 39-year-old editor in China’s Anhui Province, came across the red horse plushie on social media, she felt a pang of recognition. The toy, meant to spread holiday cheer, seemed to ...